oh emily wilson translation of the iliad we’re really in it now
The Quran describes worldly life as follows:
“Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children.”
What’s interesting is not just the description—pay attention to how the verse begins: “Know that.”
It is a deliberate call to awareness. We are naturally prone to getting so consumed by the fast-paced rituals of daily life—the status, the material pursuits, the social comparisons—that we mistake the illusion for ultimate reality. The command “Know that” serves as a wake-up call, urging us to step back and observe our existence with clarity rather than blind attachment.
Understanding this distinction changes how we engage with the world. It doesn't mean we abandon our responsibilities or stop enjoying life’s good things, but rather that we shift our perspective. When you view these worldly pursuits as temporary, you stop letting them define your worth, dictate your happiness, or consume your peace.
Know that. Yet many still don’t know.

what will it be, boss? the comfort of misery or the pain of change?
There will be more misery after the pain of change. such is life!
